A Comparison between Reincarnation in Hin du Faith and the Doctrine of Return in Shiite School

Comparing doctrines of one religion with similar doctrines of other religions and pointing out the similarities and differences between them can contribute to deep understanding of religious beliefs. One of the main beliefs in eastern religions is reincarnation, which means belief in rebirth of souls in new bodies in this world. The Shiite school advocates the doctrine of Return, in the sense that some of the dead decedents will be brought back to the life at the time or after Imam Mahdi's universal uprising. It is sometimes thought that these two doctrines are of the same origin and that the doctrine of return which some Muslims advocate has been taken from other religions. Therefore, it is necessary to contemplate on, and re-examine the relationship between return and reincarnation in order to comment on this claim. This issue has different dimensions so the present paper tries to study the similarities and differences between the two doctrines. It elaborates on the fact that these two doctrines differ in terms of foundations, principles, and aims. Using a comparative method, the author analyzes the principles and implications of these two doctrines.